To ensure that our initiatives meet the needs of students and scientists and provide facilities comparable to those in countries with advanced fusion research, it is crucial to establish a central research hub in the Arab world. This hub would serve as a focal point for advancing research and creating job opportunities within the region. Scientists will benefit from having the infrastructure to conduct impactful research locally while also contributing to global fusion research efforts. Additionally, Ph.D. and Master's students will need dedicated spaces and resources to carry out their research. By addressing these needs, we can foster a thriving research environment and enhance the region's contributions to the field of fusion energy.
Given the various reasons outlined, the AFEI will embark on constructing a medium-sized tokamak designed to advance research, education, and innovative solutions in fusion energy. This tokamak will explore cutting-edge concepts such as high-temperature superconductors, liquid lithium plasma-facing components, radio-frequency heating, and neutral beam heating. While similar tokamaks have been built and operated globally, our approach aims to introduce a novel design that leverages existing knowledge while pursuing new applications and improvements.
The AFEI will establish a specialized committee of scientists and engineers to oversee the development of the tokamak, ensuring that it incorporates innovative elements that build on current knowledge. Additionally, the design will be crafted with the potential for future scalability, aiming to serve as a stepping stone toward a fully functional fusion device. This aligns with the objectives of the Arab Energy Fusion Program, with which AFEI is closely associated.
An open call will be issued to all Arab entities to host the tokamak. The selected host country should provide the necessary space and infrastructure for the construction and installation of the tokamak. Additionally, the host institute should allocate a budget to cover travel expenses for scientists and transporting equipment. The availability of office spaces and dormitories for researchers will also be required.
The responsibility for constructing or supplying the various components and diagnostic systems for the tokamak will primarily fall to the Arab institutions involved. Each institution will be tasked with either building these components directly or commissioning a third party. It will be responsible for testing the products before they are installed. Components and parts required will be publicly announced, and contracts will be awarded through a competitive process, taking into account the limited resources available within the Arab world.
The Arab Associated institutions should lead the construction by submitting their proposals and following up on the construction and the timely delivery of the various components. This should help the various Arab institutions to have a goal and to develop expertise around a given topic at their home institutions.
Coordination meetings will be held regularly between the Associate Institutions and the Research Committee to help them with their tasks, oversee the process, and make sure that the deliverables are executed. The approximate total cost of this device will be assessed by the Research committee which will also conduct a fund-raising campaign.